The United Arab Emirates presented its inclusive development strategy at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, detailing domestic and international strides in advancing women’s rights and leadership.
Addressing the UN forum, the UAE delegation outlined key policy gains, including equal pay legislation and constitutional safeguards for gender equality. It also highlighted significant female representation in government, with women now holding half the seats in the Federal National Council and 26% of Cabinet roles.
The delegation also spotlighted the country’s success in education and science, noting that women make up nearly 50% of STEM graduates and account for 80% of the team behind the Emirates Mars Mission.
Beyond its borders, the UAE is sharing its model through global programs, such as Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s Women in Peace and Security Initiative, which supports female participation in peacebuilding and security frameworks.
On the sidelines of the forum, the UAE Consulate and National SDG Secretariat convened a roundtable discussion on gender-focused innovation beyond 2030. The session brought together UN officials, ministers and private sector leaders. They examined challenges such as the digital gender divide, reforms in the care economy and women’s leadership in decision-making.
Participants agreed that strengthening women’s roles across all sectors remains central to long-term, inclusive development. UAE officials stressed that empowering families and communities is not just a policy priority; it is a cornerstone of the country's future vision for sustainable growth.